A 51-year-old homeless man has denied attempting to murder a pensioner in an alleged knife attack.

John Lowe also denied an alternative charge of wounding Paul Hayman with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He entered the pleas when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, yesterday.

Mr Hayman, who is in his 70s, was treated at a London hospital after suffering a wound to his throat in Heath Road, Barming, at about 7.30pm on October 2.

Lowe was treated at hospital for minor injuries.

He was remanded in custody after Judge David Griffith-Jones QC set his trial date for March 19 next year.